The idea is to "take advantage of underutilized alleys to provide pedestrians with a respite from heavy urban and regional traffic to create a secondary pedestrian network in the Market and Octavia neighborhood."

According to the project's site, creating a livable alley means taking a "narrow, low-volume traffic street" and redesigning it as a place primarily serving pedestrians, bicyclists, and social uses. Vehicles would still be allowed, "but with reduced speeds."

The Market Octavia Area Plan, which went into effect in 2007, listed alley improvements as one way to calm traffic and create more public space in our part of the city. So, the relevant agencies are kicking off a 2-year project to design and implement the alleys. It will start with tonight's meeting, which will solicit input from the public to help design three prototype alleys.

Tonight's meeting will take place from 6pm to 8pm at the Hayes Valley Playground clubhouse, at Hayes and Buchanan. All are welcome to attend.